Venice Boutique House

Hotel Description

You know, I stumbled upon Venice Boutique House almost by accident last spring, right when the tourist crowds were starting to thicken but before the real summer madness hit. It’s tucked away on Calle Malatin in San Marco – that’s this narrow little alley off the main drag, not far from Campo San Fantin where the Teatro La Fenice opera house sits. Honestly, if you’re coming from the vaporetto stop at San Marco Vallaresso, it’s just a five-minute wander through those twisty passages, dodging the occasional pigeon and the scent of fresh espresso from hidden cafes. No cars in Venice, obviously, so you’re on foot or by water taxi, but that makes arriving feel like stepping into some old romance novel. The building itself is this charming 18th-century palazzo – well, sort of restored but with that authentic creak in the wooden floors that reminds you it’s not some shiny new chain. Check-in was a breeze; the staff – mostly locals who know every shortcut around the sestiere – handed over my key with a quick chat about avoiding the overpriced gondolas nearby and pointing me toward a great spot for cicchetti on Calle della Mandola instead.

What really won me over, though, was how the place balances that boutique vibe without going overboard. My room overlooked a quiet courtyard – no canal views here, which keeps the noise down at night (thank goodness, because those church bells from San Marco Basilica can echo like crazy at dawn). It was cozy, with exposed beams and these plush linens that smelled faintly of lavender, like someone’s nonna had just aired them out. The bathroom had one of those rain showers that actually works – not always a given in older Venetian spots – and free Wi-Fi that didn’t glitch out, even when I was streaming a quick call home. Breakfast is included, nothing fancy, but you get fresh cornetti and cappuccino on a little terrace; I mean, it’s not the spread you’d find at the Danieli, but it’s perfect for fueling up before hitting the Rialto Market, which is maybe a 10-minute stroll away. Oh, and a minor gripe: the air conditioning can be a bit finicky in peak heat – I had to fiddle with it one afternoon – but hey, that’s Venice for you, where even the weather feels historic. Still, the personal touches, like the staff recommending off-the-beaten-path spots like the Libreria Acqua Alta bookstore just over in Castello, made it feel less like a hotel and more like crashing at a friend’s stylish apartment.

All in all, if you’re after that real Venetian immersion without the five-star price tag – it’s a solid 4-star with an 8.3 rating that feels earned – this is your spot. Especially in shoulder season, when San Marco quiets down after dark and you can hear the lapping water without the buzz of tour groups. I’d go back in a heartbeat, maybe even splurge on a suite next time for that extra space. Just pack light; those alleys aren’t kind to wheeled suitcases.

Rooms

• Estimated price from: $271. Two-Bedroom Apartment with 1 large double bed and 1 double bed for 1 – 2 guests

Reviews

• Leanne from Australia – 27 February 2025 (9/10)

  Beautifully presented and very central to many places of interest.

• Charlotte from United Kingdom – 1 December 2024 (9/10)

  Excellent location. Good quality decor and high-quality linen and towels. All appliances and equipment new.

• Stephanie from United States – 10 October 2024 (9/10)

  wonderful location that was really quiet, and we felt safe. the house, beds and rooms were very comfortable. We needed something with no steps in the place for an older guest with less mobility, so this place really fit the bill. AC in the bedrooms worked great as well. Wonderful main shower.
  
  What could be improved: personally, I like when there are at least a couple of ways one can make their coffee. Unfortunately, the nespresso machine had only one working pod and there wasn't a working French Press or espresso maker for our own coffee. We looked in multiple stores for nespresso to no avail. It's a small detail and there are plenty of wonderful places to buy a cafe or cappuccino. Just a personal preference to have it at home before getting presentable.

• Shaz from Singapore – 26 August 2024 (9/10)

  Pretty tough to find the first time around
  
  What could be improved: NA

• Michaela from United States – 22 July 2024 (9/10)

  Great location. The host was extremely helpful, met us at the water taxi stop and helped us find the best way to get to the apartment with our bags. The apartment was cute and very quiet.
  
  What could be improved: There is only one usable shower, in the ensuite bathroom. The other shower head is mounted on a hose next to the toilet, about 3 feet high. You would have to wipe down the bathroom after using it.

• Andree from Australia – 19 June 2024 (9/10)

  Spacious, clean, airy, quiet and close to San Marco and the Vaporetto! Although we are a couple, the second room and the additional facilities made our trip far more comfortable! Thank you

• David from United Kingdom – 26 May 2024 (9/10)

  It was clean, in an excellent location close to La Fenice, restaurants, shops and cafes. The beds were comfortable and the property had air conditioning.
  
  What could be improved: Without the air conditioning, the property could get very hot and stuffy during the day.

• Mike from United Kingdom – 6 March 2024 (8/10)

  Nice place in walking distance of St Marks. Comfortable beds and one on suite room. Very quiet and overall a great place to stay in Venice.

• Lisa from Ireland – 26 August 2023 (9/10)

  It was so clean and everything was easy to use
  
  What could be improved: Having to dispose of our own rubbish on a Sunday check out

• Corey from United States – 27 May 2023 (9/10)

  everything!!
  
  What could be improved: there is nothing not to like.

SURROUNDINGS

Facilities